Princeton announced the fall 2026 schedule of TigerSide Chats, the University’s series of virtual conversations with leading faculty members and administrators that offer unique learning opportunities for the Princeton community of alumni and friends. Timely topics for the fall series include the enduring legacy of Homer’s “Odyssey,” the genetics of autism and, as our nation celebrates its semiquincentennial, a look back at Princetonians’ allegiances during the American Revolution. A celebration of the 150-year-old Daily Princetonian rounds out the roster.
“For Princetonians, learning is a lifelong passion, and we are thrilled to give alumni, wherever they are located, access to the latest research and writing from the University’s scholars,” said Bridget St. Clair, director of Alumni Education and Travel on the Alumni Engagement team within University Advancement.
The season begins on Sept. 22, when Barbara Graziosi, the Ewing Professor of Greek Language and Literature and professor of classics, will present “Homer’s Odyssey.” Graziosi will be in conversation with Linda McNulty Perez *24, focusing on why the epic poem, from antiquity to the present, has captivated readers, inspired artists and scholars, and continually been reimagined across mediums and culture.
On Oct. 27, a panel of Tigers will present “Celebrating Tiger Journalism: 150 Years of The Daily Princetonian.” Led by Thomas E. Weber ’89, former executive editor of Time magazine and current president of The Daily Princetonian’s board of trustees, the group will discuss the student newspaper’s remarkable legacy and the impact its alumni have had on journalism, business and public life. Panelists include David Baumgarten ’06, general counsel of The Atlantic; Danielle Ivory ’05, investigative reporter for The New York Times; and Jerry Zhu ’27, editor-in-chief of The Daily Princeton.
On Nov. 5, Olga Troyanskaya, director of the Princeton Precision Health (PPH) Initiative, the Maduraperuma/Khot Professor of Computer Science and a professor in the Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, will present “Princeton Precision Health: Understanding the Genetics of Autism.” Troyanskaya will discuss PPH’s role in a major autism study that recently identified four clinically and biologically distinct subtypes of autism, a transformative step toward understanding the condition and advancing the potential for more personalized care.
The fall series concludes on Dec. 16, with Michael Blaakman, associate professor of history and director of graduate studies in the Department of History, presenting “The Wedge of Allegiance: Loyalties and the American Revolution.” Through a deep dive into a handful of artifacts featured in Princeton University Library’s spring 2026 exhibition, “Nursery of Rebellion,” this talk will use the stories of several 18th-century Princetonians to explore the politics of allegiance and the profound costs and consequences of being forced to choose sides during the American Revolution.
Launched in 2024, TigerSide Chats are equal parts lecture and discussion. Princeton faculty and staff, paired with an alumni moderator, have led discussions about the future of artificial intelligence, Princeton’s role in quantum research, the new Princeton University Art Museum, the changing landscape of collegiate athletics and genomic science in wolf DNA, among other topics. More than 6,200 alumni and friends have logged on to participate. The sessions deepen alumni engagement and expand alumni education opportunities.
TigerSide Chats, open to the public, are held on Zoom at 4:30 p.m. ET. Alumni and friends are invited to register and attend the live sessions. For those who cannot attend, video recordings are published on the Princeton Alumni website. To learn more, visit the TigerSide Chats webpage.
